Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Assistant Professor Wout De Backer was selected as one of six recipients of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Faculty Advisor Award.

The award recognizes faculty advisors at chartered AIAA student branches who have made outstanding contributions to their branch and to local, regional and national activities. De Backer was recognized during the AIAA SciTech Forum in Orlando, Florida on January 12. 

“It's a tremendous honor and a humbling experience to receive this award because it was unexpected,” De Backer says. “It's nice to be recognized for my contributions. I’m passionate about aerospace and love working with students.”

De Backer’s responsibilities as faculty advisor for the University of South Carolina AIAA student branch include leading hands-on opportunities in designing and competing with aircraft, rockets and drones, industry tours, and networking opportunities. He is also Columbia and Midlands vice-chair of the Carolinas section of the AIAA. De Backer says that one satisfaction as faculty advisor is connecting students with aerospace-related companies. 

“I'm building networks because it's all localized to South Carolina for connecting companies with the talent that we have at USC. Bridging that gap is important,” De Backer says. 

The undergraduate aerospace engineering program at the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing was established in 2018. De Backer has been involved with the program and the USC AIAA student branch since their inception. 

“We’re trying to give students a way to connect with professionals by getting them out of the classroom and learn and engage with the aerospace community,” De Backer says. “It’s been successful as seeing where our students have internships is clear evidence.” 

De Backer has also been impressed with students’ initiative in growing and leading the organization. 

“What I've seen in the last two-to-three years is that students will run with something that I’ll suggest,” De Backer says. “You want to give them the advice they need, but at some point, it's great to see that they're mature enough to grow the club on their own.”

Senior aerospace engineering senior Michael Cargill, the current USC AIAA student chair, says he cannot think of anyone more deserving of the award and that his commitment to students beyond academics sets him apart from others. 

“I have had the privilege of working with Dr. De Backer in several roles over the past few years, and his dedication to student success is evident in the classroom, the lab, and through his support of the USC AIAA branch,” Cargill says. “Under his guidance, the organization has grown tremendously. He treats us not just as students, but as future colleagues, and that level of mentorship has had a lasting impact on myself and many others."

AIAA has 263 student branches, with a total active membership of over 9,000 students worldwide. Student branches foster opportunities for collaboration and serve as a club for engineering students on campus. The faculty advisor plays a critical role in sustaining student branches and encouraging their growth and success.

“Faculty advisors are the backbone of our student branches,” said AIAA CEO Clay Mowry. “Their passion is igniting the next generation. They are propelling students beyond the lecture halls and labs to achieve the breakthroughs that will shape the future of aerospace.”

De Backer earned his doctoral degree in mechanical engineering at USC in 2017 and was subsequently hired as a research assistant. In 2022, he was promoted to an assistant professor for the Department of Mechanical Engineering and aerospace engineering program.